Ring the School Bell!

Hear the bell ringing? See the children running? Hear the fireworks for the Fourth of July? It can only mean one thing… SCHOOL IS OUT! Congratulations to all you High School Seniors who may be continuing on to College, and happy days for all those people who have to drive to work on a school bus route, or for those that can finally wear flip-flops to the beach. The newness of summer is always a welcome change. There are however, different commitments and restraints during the summer months that impact everyone’s schedule, such as soccer camps, baseball camps, riding the trails on horseback, catching up with the summer reading list, or visiting family in different parts of the US. But this does not mean that your braces are on a holiday too! Orthodontic work is a continuing treatment that needs attention and regular clinical visits. If you have always scheduled your visits around after-school activities, it may be necessary to make alternative arrangements over the summer. Keep in mind that CCB takes annual leave end of June/start of July, so do make sure you are up-to-date with your appointments surrounding this time period. It is highly recommended that you talk to the doctor about any additional activities you may pursue in the summer months so he can advise you the best way to protect your Orthodontic equipment and teeth, or ways to deal with an unexpected braces event – like a loose bracket or a lost retainer while away.  

SMILE!

Famous Smile of Mona Lisa

In May, some countries, like the UK have a National Smile Month! Well you don’t have to convince us because at Cape Cod Braces where we build lifelong smiles together. If you haven’t done so already share a smile with a friend, and tell anyone feeling blue to turn their frown upside down and smile! Here are some interesting facts about smiling:

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•       It takes three times as many muscles to frown as it does to smile.
•      “Zygomates” is the French word for the muscles which make you smile.
•           There are  some studies that prove smiling helps us live longer.
•           On average, children smile 400x/day whereas adults only a meager 20x/day.
•           Women smile a staggering 9x more than men.

We couldn’t agree more that, “a smile is a curve that sets everything straight.” ~ Phyllis Diller

Boston Strong

April is Marathon Monday in Boston. Last year, the essence of an international sporting event was targeted by terrorists but the spirit of the city was able to go beyond and be strong. We may all have our chosen charities to which we donate time and resources, but perhaps taking a moment of silence at some point on Marathon Monday will pay tribute to the tragedy, create gratitude for the present, and bring hope into the future. We are all strong because of you, Boston.

The 411 on Braces

Many people who are thinking about having Orthodontic work ask: is it for me? Well lucky enough, our team of specialists can help you answer that question. Sure, some people proceed to get braces for aesthetic purposes, but in fact in most cases, proper tooth alignment can create a healthier and therefore happier smile. Chronic conditions such as overbites, under-bites or even turned teeth can lead to many oral complications in future years.  As a Doctor of Dental Science, Dr Pautienis can discuss your individual situation from an expert’s lens, and their office team can provide details on logistics and practicalities. Each patient is a unique case, so it is impossible to give specifics of treatment without first a comprehensive evaluation. But as with any concern, information is power and Cape Cod Braces will equip you with what you need to know before starting treatment - from metal braces to ceramic ones, from headgear to retainers, our team will be happy to review the basics. Call to arrange a consultation if Orthodontic work is of interest or perhaps been recommended by your dentist.

Saint Valentine

Sure there are lots of chocolate lovers here at Cape Cod Braces, BUT… all that sugar can be bad for the quality of our teeth so we encourage saying Happy Valentine's in another way. Originally, Valentine’s Day celebrations were centred around communications. It was John Donne who notoriously wrote: SIR, more than kisses, letters mingle souls. This Valentine’s Day lets learn from the ways of the past and take our thoughts to paper; make a fun card, go green and send an e-card or even a good old Hallmark! There are other ways to tell someone you care so maybe even find your own way to tell those that you love how much they mean to you. 

Happy New Year!

Happy 2014! We at Cape Cod Braces enjoyed a great holiday season and hope you did too! Now of course, things are coming back to the way they were before – work, school, and health. There are many resolutions you may or may not keep in the year ahead, but if this one wasn’t on your list, it should be: taking care of your  teeth and oral health! Be part of the generation that never sees a denture. Like with all health related issues, prevention and maintenance are much easier than crisis treatment. So stay one step ahead with regular visits to your Orthodontist and Dentists. Brush after meals – even on the go. Wear all orthodontist appliances for the duration prescribed so treatment is faster and more effective – even if they aren’t ‘this season’s’ best fashion accessory. Keep in mind that tooth enamel is fragile, and porous so avoid staining foods, or any ‘Jawbreaker’ like candy. We hope these small reminders help in the year ahead. Wishing you happiness and health and getting those things that perhaps didn't fit into Santa’s sleigh last year. Most of all we hope 2014 will make you smile!

Travelling Turkey!

       T Shirt Design by Matt Leyen

Thanksgiving is the most widely celebrated holiday in the US – it also happens to be one of the biggest travel days of the year. While in “braces” it is important to keep in mind that you are in a medical treatment process, which is directly impacted by the action and habits you take during treatment. Here are some easy tips for this month in case you plan on spending Thanksgiving travelling, or out of your usual routine

Tip #1 – take all Orthodontic related stuff (elastics, headgear, retainers, special floss) in your carry-on if you are travelling by airplane. This helps in two ways. First, if you need something during the trip it is easily accessible, and second, if the airline losses your luggage, you won’t be missing your fancy Ortho stuff.

Tip #2 – look into travel sized dental products, like small tooth pastes, mouthwash and floss. This will ensure that wherever you go you won’t be without your favorite brands that you know work for you.

Tip #3 – make sure whoever the host is, knows that there will be a guest who is in braces, or has tooth sensitivity because of spacers or that sort of thing. This way they can make sure there is plenty of suitable alternatives such as Pumpkin Pie instead of Pecan Pie.

Tip #4 –  although eating from the leg of the Turkey makes us all feel like Henry the VIII, if you are in braces, this fun will have to wait until they are off as the bone could break a bracket! If dark meat is the preference just cut it off the bone and enjoy – with plenty of gravy of course!

Tip # 5 – while being away from home it can be difficult to keep to routines. Just because you don’t have your usual bathroom space doesn’t mean that careful teeth cleaning can be overlooked. Pack your dental supplies in a separate small toiletry bag so you can take them to whatever bathroom is free when it is time to wash up. And no matter how tired you are, this is part of the grooming routine that shouldn’t be skipped.

And finally, the best tip we can offer is to enjoy and celebrate your Thanksgiving!